Preparator

TITLE: Preparator  

DEPARTMENT: Collections & Exhibitions  

REPORTS TO: Chief Preparator   

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt 

DATE PREPARED:  04/10/2023 

DATE POSTED: 

Please apply on – http://www.mintmuseum.org/about/careers/   

GENERAL SUMMARY:  

Reporting to the Chief Preparator, the Preparator is a key team member of the Collections & Exhibitions Department.  The position is integral to the successful execution of the Museum’s ambitious schedule of exhibitions, installations, and gallery rotations.   

The Preparator assists with all aspects of installation and deinstallation to include but not limited to object movement, storage, packing/unpacking, inventory, mount making, construction, fabrication, lighting, painting, and associated technology. Serves on exhibition teams for both in-house and traveling exhibitions.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Prepare objects for display and storage to include creating specialized supports, mounting, matting and framing; Install and de-install objects, mounts, casework, graphics.  

• Prepare, pack, and crate objects for transit to include the proper retrofitting of crates for re-use.  Receive and release packed/crated objects and materials for loan, exhibition, acquisition consideration, and transfer purposes. 

• Actively participate in all off-loading and loading of crates, exhibition furniture, or equipment and conveyance of same within the building or between buildings under the guidance of the Chief Preparator and/or Registration staff.  

• Works collaboratively with internal or external contractors as needed as for the construction, painting, fabrication of exhibition materials, installation, rigging, and construction associated with exhibitions and permanent collection installations. 

• Fabricates materials associated with exhibitions and installations such as exhibition furniture, object mounts & supports, matting, framing, construction of walls, painting, installation, rigging, etc. 

• Supports established gallery lighting program; installs lights for exhibitions and permanent collection galleries observant of display guidelines as outlined by the registrars. 

• Perform daily, visual inspection and maintenance of exhibition galleries, gallery lighting, maintenance of audio-visual equipment, and troubleshooting, reporting any irregularities to Senior Preparator. 

• Maintain proper maintenance of tools, equipment, and supplies; submits requests for supplies and materials as needed to Chief Preparator; maintain workshop and in-house production areas; cleaning, organizing, and re-stocking as needed. 

• Collaborates with registrars to maintain and upkeep galleries, object storage areas, and department work areas; participates in periodic/annual collection inventories; performs object movement for photography of the collection. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION: 

EDUCATION: BA in Art, Art History, Museum Studies or related fields preferred.  

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 3- 5 years professional experience installation, preparation, fine art handling, including managing schedules and contractors; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:  

• Training and/or experience demonstrating working knowledge of general museum operating procedures.  

• Adheres to best practices for handling, installation, and movement of objects.  

• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, with excellent communication skills, successful in the planning and follow through of tasks/projects.  

• Able to lift heavy crates and art, including paintings, sculpture, and furniture.  

• Experienced in the use of power tools and equipment associated with woodworking, metalworking, construction, lighting, electrical, and audio-visual / computer displays.   

• Must be responsible, dependable, and able to work effectively in a team based multi-task environment.  

• Knowledge of The Mint Museum’s collections, goals, values, and mission. 

• Must maintain confidentiality. 

• Ability to lift 50 pounds. 

• Ability to drive a van and box truck. 

• Current with OSHA standards and guidelines. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal office environment 

Supervisory responsibilities:  No 

DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees for this job.  The Mint Museum reserves the discretion to change this job description at any time. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/ATTRIBUTES : 

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :  

• The perfect candidate will be communicative, open to new ideas, and able to accept constructive criticism. 

• Shows initiative and proficiency at problem-solving. 

• Must be a self-starter, resourceful and comfortable working in a small team environment where both self-sufficiency and teamwork are essential. 

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION OR PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS: Knowledge and/or background in Fine Arts, design and/or Art History a plus. 

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mint Museum welcomes all to be inspired and transformed through the power of art and creativity. 

VISION STATEMENT

The Mint Museum seeks to continuously enhance lives and create a more empathetic world by ensuring access and by engaging communities in a meaningful, lifelong relationship with art and design. 

ABOUT THE MINT MUSEUM 

As the oldest art museum in North Carolina, with one of the largest collections in the Southeast, The Mint Museum offers its visitors inspiring and transformative experiences through art from around the world via innovative collections, groundbreaking exhibitions, and riveting educational programs. The Mint Museum is a non-profit visual arts institution comprised of two dynamic facilities: Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph. 

Located in what was the original branch of the United States Mint, Mint Museum Randolph opened in 1936 in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood as the state’s first art museum. Today, in a beautiful park setting, intimate galleries invite visitors to engage with the art of the ancient Americas, ceramics and decorative arts, fashion, European art, and African art, among other collections. Resources include a reference library with over 18,000 volumes, a theater featuring lectures and performances, and a museum shop offering merchandise that complements both the permanent collection and special exhibitions.  

Mint Museum Uptown houses the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, as well as outstanding collections of American, contemporary, and European art. Designed by Machado and Silvetti Associates of Boston, the five-story, 145,000-square-foot facility combines inspiring architecture with cutting-edge exhibitions to provide visitors with unparalleled educational and cultural experiences. Located in the heart of Charlotte's burgeoning center city, Mint Museum Uptown is an integral part of the Levine Center for the Arts, a cultural campus that includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture, the Knight Theater, and the Duke Energy Center. Mint Museum Uptown also features a wide range of visitor amenities, including the 240-seat James B. Duke Auditorium, the Lewis Family Gallery, art studios, a restaurant, and a museum shop. For more information, visit mintmuseum.org